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Way Back When

(The Spirit is pleased to share with our readers vignettes of life in the 19th century as originally reported in past issues of the newspapers. These reproduced stories include their original headlines and spelling.)

Local Intelligence
October 7, 1896

He Came Down
There were four or five men on the street corner discussing the financial question when a poorly-dressed woman halted before them, and singling out a particular man who had been especially vociferous in the advocacy of his pet views she said. “I am a poor but respectable and hard-working woman. Could you let me have money to buy a pair of shoes with?”

“Do you really need em?” he inquired in turn. “Very badly, sir and I shall never forget your kindness if you aid me.”

“Well, here it is,“ he said, as he put a bill in her hand. “Thanks, kind sir; and may heaven bless you.”

When she had gone away one of the group said “ She was mighty cheeky” “Brassiest thing I’ve seen this year,” added a second.

“Do you know her, Bill?” inquired a third of the man who had opened his purse.

“Y-e-s, more or less. We’ve been married about twenty-five years, and when I don’t come down, she takes this way of making me. I rather like it. I get the credit of being rather charitable and she gets the cash.”
— Detroit Free Press

“ A Batch of Blunders”
A musical extravaganza entitled “ A Batch of Blunders,” opened a week’s engagement Monday night by the Delamater Co., at the opera house.

The house was crowded on Monday night and saw a very good entertainment for the price general admission 20 cents, reserved seats 30 cents.

The company carries an excellent band and orchestra and it is worth the price to admission to hear the music.

Some very clever comedians and song and dance artists accompany the troupe, and altogether the performances given are very satisfactory.